MLB Player News

The Phillies recalled Pivetta from Triple-A Lehigh Valley in advance of his scheduled start for Game 2 of a doubleheader Tuesday with the Marlins.

Pivetta was optioned to the minors just six days earlier following his most recent start with the Phillies, but by designating him as the 26th man for the twin bill, the big club will be able to bring him back sooner than they otherwise would. Given that he struck out a career-high 11 batters his last time out, Pivetta shouldn't be at much risk of a demotion following Monday's turn, especially with the Phillies' already thin rotation depth taking a further hit with Zach Eflin's (shoulder) placement on the 10-day disabled list.

The Marlins activated Garcia (biceps) from the 10-day disabled list Tuesday, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Though he missed the minimum amount of time with the right biceps strain, Garcia may find himself lower on the bullpen totem pole upon returning with rookie Drew Steckenrider stepping up to provide quality work in high-leverage spots and hard-throwing setup man Kyle Barraclough having since been reinstated from the DL. With a 3.43 ERA and 0.99 WHIP over 39.1 innings, Garcia has been a pleasant surprise this season while making the jump from the Double-A level, but a weak 6.6 K/9 rate and .234 BABIP suggest that some regression could be in store.

Melancon fired a clean inning while accruing two strikeouts in Monday's 2-0 win over the Brewers.

Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reported last week that Melancon was considering surgery on his nagging elbow, but he has made two scoreless appearances since then. The 32-year-old has been primarily used in a seventh-inning role since returning from the disabled list. If Melancon avoids going under the knife and continues pitching the way he has recently (0.00 ERA and 5:0 K:BB ratio in his last five appearances), he could potentially reclaim his closer role from Sam Dyson at some point this season.

Gsellman allowed a single run on five hits and a walk while striking out three batters through 6.1 innings during Monday's loss to Arizona. He didn't factor into the decision.

Considering the Diamondbacks roll out a strong lineup, this was a solid showing from Gsellman. Unfortunately, such performances have been few and far between for the 24-year-old righty. After all, he sports a disappointing 5.65 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 6.4 K/9 for the campaign. Even after Monday's encouraging start, it's probably wise to keep expectations in check for Gsellman. He projects to make his next start against Washington at Nationals Park.

Rodney collected his 28th save of the season despite allowing a solo home run during Monday's win over Arizona.

There have been a few disastrous outings this season, but otherwise, Rodney continues to get the job done for the D-backs. His 4.91 ERA and 1.26 WHIP are nothing to write home about, but the veteran has converted 28 of 33 save opportunities with a 10.9 K/9, and he has a firm grasp on his closer job.

Suter (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Wednesday, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Suter was diagnosed with a left rotator cuff strain Aug. 13. If all goes well Wednesday, expect the Brewers to swiftly send him on a rehab assignment so he can make an appearance before the impending end of the minor-league season. Barring an aggravation, he should return in late August.

Stewart is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to start Tuesday's game against the Pirates, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Stewart will rejoin the Dodgers to make his third major-league start of the season in place of the injured Yu Darvish (back). While he owns an impressive 2.03 ERA and 20:2 K:BB through four starts (13.1 innings) with Oklahoma City this season, he hasn't been able to translate that success to the majors yet; Stewart allowed seven runs (two earned) on eight hits and four walks across 7.2 innings during his first two spot starts for the Dodgers. With Darvish set to miss just one turn in the rotation, Stewart will likely be back in the minors following Tuesday's start.

Kontos said he was dealing with groin tightness Sunday but is available to pitch Monday against the Dodgers, Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Kontos was able to get through a pregame workout with no issues Monday, clearing the way for him to play in the series opener against the Dodgers. He owns a 1.80 ERA, 0.60 WHIP and 7:1 K:BB through five innings with the Pirates, so he will be a welcome addition to the bullpen against a tough Dodgers team.

Manager Clint Hurdle said Kontos was unavailable Sunday due to lower-body discomfort, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Kontos will be reassessed in Pittsburgh on Monday, after which there should be a clearer idea of what he's dealing with. The 32-year-old owns a 1.80 ERA, 0.60 WHIP and 7:1 K:BB through five innings with his new club.

Koch was recalled from Triple-A Reno on Monday.

Koch will join the big-league bullpen in place of Braden Shipley, who was shipped back to the minors after tossing 5.2 innings of relief in Sunday's loss. He owns an unsightly 10.06 ERA and 19:13 K:BB through 34 innings with Reno this season, so he won't see any high-leverage innings with the Diamondbacks.